Pumping is a valuable tool for many mothers, allowing them to provide breast milk for their babies even when they can’t breastfeed directly. Just like breastfeeding getting the hang of pumping can take time, it’s good to have the right techniques and tools to maximize your milk production.

Correct Flange Size

Pumping with the correct flange size is very important for seeing good results with the pump. The flange is the plastic part of the pump that you place on your breast.

• Measure Your Nipples: To ensure a proper fit, measure your nipples and choose a flange size 1-2 millimeters larger than your nipple.  So for example, if you measure your nipple as 16 mm, your flange size should be 18 mm.

• Avoid Discomfort: Using a flange that is too small can cause pain and nipple damage, while a flange that is too large can reduce your milk flow.

Hands-on Pumping

Using a hands-on pumping technique can help to significantly increase your pump output as well as the fat content in your pumped milk. Go to this link to watch a video by Dr. Jane Morton who studied hands-on pumping and proved it increases pump output and fat content.

• Stimulate Milk Letdown before you pump: Before using your pump, stimulate your milk let-down by massaging your breasts, applying warm compresses, or shaking the breast (also known as the milkshake).
• Manual Expression while pumping: Once you have started pumping with an electric pump held by a pumping bra, you can use your hands to increase milk flow. Use manual pumping motions to increase milk flow. You can practice manual expression in the shower to see what hand motions make the milk flow from your nipple.

Power Pumping

• Increase Milk Supply: Power pumping is a technique that involves pumping for a long period with short breaks. It can be effective in increasing your milk supply.
• Schedule: Typically, power pumping involves pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating this cycle for 1 hour. You can also power pump by pumping for 5 minutes every hour (you can leave the milk out for up to four hours and then refrigerate the milk you have so far and keep going. This method is easily done with a wearable pump if you keep it in your bra and turn it on for 5 minutes every hour.

Going Back to Massage Mode on the Pump

Stimulate Milk Flow: Many pumps have a massage mode that simulates the feeling of a baby sucking. Switching to massage mode periodically can help stimulate your milk let-down and increase your milk flow.

When to Pump for Extra Milk

• Timing: Pumping at night can be particularly effective for increasing your milk supply, as your body naturally produces more prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production, during sleep. This may increase your overall milk supply but you might not see as much milk volume at night because the milk is very fatty. Early morning pumping sessions are more likely to yield larger amounts of milk. If you pump at the same time every day your body will learn to make more milk for that pumping session.   
• Post-feed pumping: If you’re looking to increase your milk supply, consider pumping the empty breast throughout the day. Pumping the empty breast tells your body that more milk is needed. Keep in mind that these sessions increase overall milk supply but yield less milk because the breast had recently let down.

Reversed Pressure Softening

If the breast is very full and engorged but no milk is coming out, it might suggest there is swelling in the areola that is preventing the milk from coming out of the breast. This swelling is not removed through the nipple because it’s caused by lymphatic fluids. These are drained by the lymphatic system. To promote lymphatic drainage fluids need to be pushed back toward the chest and armpits.  

• Relax the Breast Tissue: Reversed pressure softening is a technique that involves applying gentle pressure to your breast tissue pushing back from the nipple to the chest and armpit. This can help free the areola tissue from swelling and improve milk flow. Follow this link to watch a video of reversed pressure softening.

The Criss-Cross Pumping Bra Trick

Hands-Free Pumping: If you find it difficult to hold your pump while pumping, consider using the criss-cross Nursing bra trick. This allows you to pump hands-free, freeing up your hands for other tasks. Watch this video to see how to turn any nursing bra into a pumping bra.

Additional Tips

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is important for maintaining a healthy milk supply.
• Eat Well: A balanced diet can help support your body’s ability to produce milk.
• Relax and Avoid Stress: Stress can negatively impact your milk production. Find ways to manage stress and relax. Use this nipple breathing technique to improve pump output.

By following these tips and experimenting with different techniques, you can maximize your pumping success and provide your baby with the nourishment they need. Every mother’s experience is unique, so be patient with yourself, Here’s a little secret: those social media posts of large bottles full of milk are mostly fake!  Don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant if you have any questions or concerns.

For More Information: Talk to your pediatrician or lactation consultant for personalized advice on Pumping. This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your baby’s feeding.